Night of the Gala

The weeks passed, with Luna reading Twilights reports every week, learning more and more about friendship. From the lesson on being proud of who you are, but not a show off, to being willing to accept somepony, even if they seem a little strange at first glance. And every night Luna would check to see if Twilight was awake to see the sky. While there were a few nights that she wasn’t, almost every night she was looking through her telescope, taking notes on the stars, or just happily gazing into the heavens. As the princess had begun to slowly change the heavens, Twilight was one of the first to notice, having been taking though notes on every movement.

Eventually the night of the Gala was at hand. Having learned from her sister that Twilight would be attending, having been sent seven tickets in total, one for each of her friends and her. Luna was determined to meet, and thank, the little lavender pony from whom she had learned so much. The princess sat in the dressing room she shared with Celestia, getting her dress ready for the Gala, when her older sister walked in.

“Oh, hello Tia. How goes the preparations for the Gala?” Luna asked calmly, barely looking up.

“Hello Luna” she replied happily. “The Palace is ready for the Gala this evening, though I do wish it was not such a long held tradition. It is always such a bore.” Celestia sat down next to her sister, and began applying makeup herself.

“Sister, I must ask. How do these brushes work, and what are they for?” Luna asked, nodding towards the blush. Celestia laughed to herself, and began showing her sister what they were used for.

“Well that’s the blush. I wouldn’t recommend it for you; the colors wouldn’t match your coat. However, the eye shadow, in the right color,” Celestia lifted a brush, “would look quite nice. May I apply it for you?” Luna nodded, closing her eyes to permit her sister to paint the deep purple eye shadow onto her lids. “And this is the lipstick,” Celestia continued, putting away the shadow. Luna opened her eyes to see a case full of what looked like simple plastic black tubes. “None of the brighter colors would do for you though, so perhaps…” she trailed off, looking through the case for a moment, her magic tilting them as she looked through the large box, before pulling out a black, simple tube, opening it to reveal to Luna what appeared to be a pointed piece of dark blue plastic inside. “Try this one. Gently apply it to your lips, and then make sure it’s nice and even.”

Luna did as she was instructed, surprised to find that the color transferred from the tube to her lips so easily. “Thank you sister. I hope to make a good impression upon Canterlot this evening.”

Celestia glanced at her sister, a knowing smile forming on her face “Is there anypony in particular you wish to meet? Or just the ponies in general?”

Luna smiled to herself, her thoughts turning to a certain unicorn. “Well yes, there is a pony I would like to meet with. I have been planning on meeting your student Twilight. I wish to speak with her. She seems well versed in the current social climate. I hope you do not mind.”

Celestia sighed. “Luna, I understand that you are trying to rejoin society, but I believe your efforts would be better spent working on making friends, and then having them slowly ease you in.”

Luna nodded slowly. “Well, I suppose you are right sister. I hope you do not mind my intent to speak with her, and possibly become her friend.”

“I don’t mind at all little sister. She is a good unicorn, and I hope you two become good friends.” Celestia sighed, a small smile playing on her lips, before adding, “If I may suggest it, I believe your first meeting with her would go much smoother without the Royal Canterlot Voice. The voice has fallen out of tradition, and I haven’t used it in years.”

Luna nodded slowly, thinking over her sister’s advice. “Well yes, I suppose that meeting with just Twilight would not warrant the Royal Canterlot Voice, but do you not use it to address your subjects? We always used before.” Luna slipped back into the royal ‘we’ for a moment, having become lost in thought.

“No, I haven’t used it to address our subjects in years, only using it when I need it to be heard. It has fallen out of fashion. It may scare the ponies to hear it, as I do not think any of the ponies have heard it before.” Celestia finished her own makeup and turned to eye her sister’s mane. “If I may ask, how to you plan to wear your mane tonight? Blowing and of the night sky, or your natural somewhat light blue?”

Luna thought to herself a moment, wonder what would be best for first impressions. “Sister, I believe I will wear it regal tonight. I am a princess of Equestria, and I must look the part.”

Sighing to herself, Celestia responded, “Sister, I will be presiding over the Gala tonight. There is no need for you to wear your mane up if you don’t wish to.”

Luna rolled her eyes. “If you say so sister. I must confess it is a lot of work to imbue it with such cosmic energy. I shall wear it plain then.” While it would look much more regal, perhaps she shouldn't come off as a high and mighty princess right away. She needed her subjects to trust her, not just fear and respect her.

Celestia nodded, glad to have convinced her sister. Having finished her preparations, the princess stood, and gave her sister a light kiss, wrapping a forehoof around her sister’s shoulders. “I must be off to the Gala sister. I don’t know how many of those attending are expecting to see you. However, to be honest, you may still scare them, I’m not sure. Very few are aware of what happened during your return, and some may still be scared of you, thinking you to be Nightmare Moon. Please, be careful this evening.”

Luna nodded sadly, not being surprised at the prospect of a somewhat cold response to her return. Only Twilight and her friends knew what had truly occurred when she returned, and the difference between Nightmare Moon and Princess Luna. The rest of the ponies may just see Nightmare Moon, and turn to flee from her. She wanted to make good first impressions, and was hoping Twilight would help her achieve this. The princess finished her preparations, and used her magic to pull her dress on. It was a flowing, black gown, small gems twinkling as she moved, looking for all the world like the night sky. Luna admired her dress, and sat, waiting for it to be late enough for her to slip into the Gala unnoticed.

As she began her walk to the gala a crash sounded from below. It was shortly followed by more, the whole palace shaking with the force of the impacts. Luna’s first thought was of worry, only something very large, crashing into other equally large things could have made that din. She did not want to see her lovely palace destroyed so soon after her return. As Luna began sprinting towards the sound, she heard another crash, that of doors being thrown wide. The princess stopped, unsure of what to do, before hearing an echo from below. “You’re going to LOVE ME!” the voice cried out over the sounds of the resulting stampede.

Luna pulled herself out of shock and began running towards the Gala again, faster than before. She had barely gone ten steps before she saw Twilight and her friends running from the sounds. If Celestia’s student was leaving, then her sister was probably handling everything herself. Luna decided that she could leave it to her sister as well. While she wanted to maintain her image as a princess, she wasn’t going to usurp her sister, or go anywhere near a disaster, lest she be blamed for it. The princess sighed and turned to follow the others out, knowing that Celestia would make sure everything was okay.

Luna followed the small entourage, finding herself at Pony Joe’s. She looked in to see the ponies sitting down with a small purple dragon with green scales. She looked on, not wanting to disturb the friends as they talked. As she watched from the shadows outside the bakery, her sister walked up behind her.

“Why hello there Luna. I take it you avoided the Gala tonight? Not that anypony can blame you, the Gala was a disaster. Though, I must say,” Celestia added more to herself than anypony else, “the very disaster it became made it the best Gala ever. It is always such a bore.”

Luna turned around to see her sister smiling happily “Is everypony alright?” she asked, worry for her subjects etched on her face.

“Ohh don’t worry sister. I was able to calm everypony down, and return the critters to the garden. Fluttershy had scared them into a stampede.”

Luna nodded to herself, glad that everything had ended well. “Sister,” Luna began hesitantly. “I expect that these ponies have had a trying night, and I do not want to bother them. I do still wish to meet with Twilight, though now that it has come to it, I am afraid. What if she does not wish to speak with me? We didn’t exactly have the best of meetings.” Luna let her confusion flow out of her, her eyes becoming downcast as she spoke.

“Luna, go wait in the palace garden.” The older alicorn spoke softly, trying to reassure her sister. “I will go in and speak with Twilight. If she seems open to the idea, I will send her along to meet with you. Would that work for you?” Luna nodded slowly,. “And don’t worry little sister; I’m sure that Twilight would be glad to make a new friend.”

Luna smiled, “Thank you again sister. Please, do not force Twilight to meet with me. I would rather she willingly comes to talk with me than anything else.”  Celestia nodded her response and trotted into the bakery as Luna took off to wait in the garden.

Entering the garden, Luna felt a level of ease return to her. She always loved being in the garden, often relaxing amongst the flowers and brush, letting time simply pass. She picked her way through the shrubs into the deeper parts of the garden, looking for a small spot she used to hide in to relax. Though the bushes had grown, and plants moved around, Luna was still able to find her little spot.  It was a small circle of grass with flora growing on all sides. It was her spot.

Luna sat back on her flank and relaxed, gazing at the sky, while listening for the sounds of Twilights approach. She traced the constellations, her mind turning to the eventual shifts she would have to make. Eventually the sound of hooves upon grass reached her ears, bringing her back from the tranquil state she had reached. The princess was about to call out, expecting Twilight, when she realized that the sound was coming straight for her. For a brief moment, Luna thought that somepony was coming to her spot, before she balked at the idea. Nopony should know about her secret spot, she had hidden herself away in that little island of grass so many times, and they never found her. And yet, the sound of the hooves grew closer, walking strait towards her. Luna backed away from them, confused.

Hiding herself in the shadows cast by her moon, Luna waited for the pony to pass. Then, the sound of the hooves stopped, for just a moment, before a new sound reached the princess of the moon. Now somepony was pushing their way through the brush, headed straight for her circle of grass. She hid herself more, not sure of what to do.

Just as Luna was about to call out to the pony, Twilight burst through to bushed, tripped over a small branch, and fell into the circle to be bathed in moonlight. The lavender pony stood, shook herself free of the layer of dust coating her flank, sat back and gazed up on the stars. Luna let out a small sigh, silently chastising herself. She should have known it was Twilight, probably looking for her. She quietly stepped from the shadows, trotted over, and sat down next to the pony lost in thought.

“Hello Twilight. We are glad to see somepony enjoying our night.”

Twilight jumped, surprised at the princess being so close. Again the lavender unicorn fell on her back, and quickly righted herself “Ohh hello, Princess Luna!” she stammered, flustered from both shock, and proximity to the dark blue alicorn. She bowed before the princess, doing her best to quickly regain her composure. “Celestia told me to meet you in the garden, and I thought I would stop here for a moment, and then search for you.”

The alicorn nodded, a smile playing across her lips. “Rise Twilight Sparkle. We had come here ourself to wait for thee, and were going to begin looking for you soon.” Luna looked down at the unicorn as he stood, gazing up at the princess. “We, I mean I,” Luna continued, her voice softening as she dropped the royal we, “must admit, I did not believe anypony else knew about this place. It was always my place to hide when I wanted to be left alone. How did you find this place?” the alicorn asked, cocking her head to one side, her mild curiosity showing through.

“Well, I’ve always loved the night,” Twilight began, shifting nervously. “And often times I wanted to read by moonlight rather than candle light.” The princess gave a small smile at this, letting Twilight continue. “So I took to reading out in the garden. However, the guards always bothered me about safety, saying that the princess’ protégé should be inside where it’s safe.” The unicorn rolled her eyes at the memory. “And every night they would shoo me back inside. I didn’t want to stop reading by moonlight, so one day I started searching the garden for a place to read at night. Eventually I found this place, and have spent many long nights reading under the stars.” Nervousness showed itself in every word the unicorn spoke, her gaze falling as she finished. “I’m sorry to have intruded upon your space Princess Luna.”

“It is nothing little pony. It pleases me to no end to hear that you enjoy reading under the moonlight. Though I would like to ask, did you know of the story of my banishment? And why is it the moonlight that you like to read under?” Luna had spent much time looking down over Equestria while the Nightmare had plotted revenge.

“Well, I had heard of the mare in the moon. But the way my brother told it to me, you sounded like a lonely girl, trapped in the moon. I decided I would be friends with you. That’s when I got my love of the night sky. And when I read outside, under your moon, I felt like somepony was watching over me.” Twilight smiled sheepishly as she admitted her feelings to the princess.

Luna was taken aback by Twilights response. It was true that she was lonely, and that she did her best to watch over Equestria at night, but Twilight had wanted to be her friend. To the unicorn, she wasn’t a monster, some dark specter to scare little ponies into going to bed, but a lonely mare, one who needed a friend. Luna sat quietly for a moment, a tear making its way to her eye. Quickly blinking it away, she composed herself. “Thank you Twilight Sparkle. That means much to me.”

“Of course Princess Luna.” Twilight stammered, surprised that Luna had composed herself so quickly. Shifting nervously, Twilight moved closer to the princess, trying to comfort her.

“Please, be not afraid of me Twilight Sparkle.” Luna had seen the apprehension on Twilight’s face as she spoke, and wished to calm her. “I wish merely to speak with you tonight.” The lavender unicorn sighed, relieved that the princess was okay. “Thank you. As I am sure my sister has informed you, I am trying to rejoin society.” Luna quickly moved on, her business like demeanor settling back in. “Your letters on friendship have helped greatly, as I have never been one for making friends. If I am able to make friends with the ponies in Canterlot, I am sure that they will again accept me as their princess, and no longer fear me.”

“Princess Luna,” Twilight began. “I’m not sure if the ponies of Equestria do fear you. Only those in Ponyville at the time of your return saw Nightmare Moon. And all of them were also there for the party Pinkie Pie through for you to welcome you back to Equestria, as Princess Luna. I don’t think they fear you.” Twilight’s voice wavered as she spoke, trying her best to sound reassuring while her nerves finished calming. “And those who weren’t there have only heard of Nightmare Moon in the legends. I doubt any of them fear you, or know that you used to be the same pony. I think they simply don’t know who you are yet and don’t know how they should react to you.”

Luna’s face brightened at Twilights words, taking comfort in them “Thank you Twilight Sparkle. It is nice to know that it is not fear they show towards me, but confusion.” The unicorn nodded in response, hoping that Luna was happy. Confusion was a much easier emotion to work past than fear after all. “Twilight Sparkle,” she began.

“Please princess. You can call me just Twilight.”

Luna nodded as she continued. “Alright then, Twilight. Would you be my first friend? Your brother was right, I do need a friend.”

The lavender unicorns face broke into a massive smile “I would be honored Princess Luna. Though I think Pinkie might be jealous that I beat her to becoming friends with you.”

The alicorn gave a small laugh at Twilights words. “Thank you Twilight, it means much to me. If you do not mind Twilight, I would be delighted if you were to stay here and gaze at the stars with me.”

“I would love to Princess. And, may I call you just Luna?”

The princess had to think for a moment. While it was unheard of to address royalty so informally, she knew it would be much easier for the young mare. And perhaps it would help her readjust to society faster. “Yes Twilight, you may. And Twilight, thank you for loving the night.”

“Thank you Luna, for creating such a beauty for ponies to behold.”

The two ponies sat back and gazed upon the stars and moon, quietly talking about the objects of their view, and the times they were reminded of.

It soon grew late, and Twilight had to leave to return home. “Thank you Luna. This has been wonderful. If you ever wish to visit, you’re welcome any time.” The unicorn smiled, hoping to introduce Luna to the other bearers of the Elements of Harmony, who she knew would love to meet Luna, and who must be wondering where she was.

“I would love that Twilight.” Luna responded, standing with her friend. “However, I wish my first visit to Ponyville to be somewhat more formal that just dropping out of the sky, as it is much easier to explain to the other ponies.” The princess sighed, knowing how nopony ever took a visit from a princess lightly. The look on Twilights face told her she must be thinking along the same lines.

“Well,” the unicorn started, having thought hard for an excuse for the princes. “Then, why not come on Nightmare Night? It’s a celebration of fright and Nightmare Moon. I know you’re not her anymore, but it would still be a good excuse to show up.”

Luna considered the proposition, mulling it over. “That is a splendid idea Twilight. Though I wish to consult with my sister first. I am sure there are preparations to be made.” Twilight nodded and slowly stood to leave. She sighed, having enjoyed talking about the stars. She made a mental note to gaze into the heavens more often.

“Thank you again Princess Luna. I look forward to introducing you properly to the rest of my friends.” The unicorn slowly picked her way back through the bushes, quickly vanishing from sight and leaving Luna alone with her thoughts.

“A pony who enjoys the night. I did not expect that.” The princess said out loud to herself. “I hope to be good friends with her.” She sat back on her flank to look up at her stars more when a voice quietly answered her.

“True, a pony who enjoys the night is rare. However, I believe that Twilight is no ordinary pony.” The voice stated simply. “We must make sure to not lose her.” Luna sprung to her hooves, staring around wildly for the source of the voice.

“Who are thee?” she cried, falling back into her royal voice as she spun around, trying to find the owner of the voice. “Show thineself!”

“Ohh please don’t say you’ve forgotten me,” the voice pleaded, sounding very hurt. “We talked for so very long on the moon. You helped to keep me sane.”

Luna was taken aback at these words, as she realized that they came from her own mind. “Nightmare Moon?” she whispered quietly.

“No, and yes.” The voice sighed, understanding her confusion. “I hope you have not forgotten who I was before being consumed by hatred and jealousy. I was her for a time, but the same elements that banished us to the moon recently cleansed me of my hatred. Please tell me you remember who I am.”

Luna sighed, sitting back on her flank. She knew who owned that voice in her mind, but was afraid to speak her name. It had been over a thousand years since they last spoke, and Luna had no idea how her oldest friend had changed. “Why should I trust you? How do I know you’re not lying to me like a thousand years ago?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. She was stalling, doing her best to compose herself and plan out her actions.

“I have no way to prove it to you other than my word. But I remember everything that went on during our banishment, my banishment.” Though Luna could no more see the owner of the voice than the back of her own head, she knew the owner had hung its head in shame. “I very much doubt Celestia knows the true nature of our relationship, for I know that she would never have banished you. It was I who tried to overthrow her, and bring eternal night. Not you. And for dragging you along with me to the moon, I am sorry.”

“I still do not know if I can trust you, even if you are my old friend. You sound just like Nightmare did,” Luna sighed before adding, “and you still scare me. I do not wish for a repeat of a thousand years ago.”

“I understand. But remember that Nightmare sounded just like me. My voice hasn’t changed, only your view of me.” Luna felt the voice sigh, as if it had sat down in the corners of her mind. “Do what you will with me, but please, name me first. I want to know that you remember who I am, and not just who I became.”

Luna stood, not sure of what to do. After thinking it over for a while she decided to hide that other side of her, from everypony. She would do her best to figure out if she could be trusted on her own first. If it seemed like she wouldn’t have the strength, or that her other half was trying to escape, she would go to her sister. “Alright friend, if I can call you that. I will not say I trust you, but I will give you a chance. Until you have proven yourself I will not let you out Nightmare,” at the mention of the name, the voice sighed sadly. “But, if you prove to me that I can trust you, that you truly are my old friend Mare, I will. Not until then.”

The voice in Luna’s head sighed again, accepting her fate. “Thank you for a chance Luna. I will prove myself to you.” Luna felt the presence the voice brought with it fade into the back of her mind, disappearing to where it had hidden itself a few months ago. Luna stood and walked back to her room, silently wondering what she would do with her old friend. Next Chapter: A Talk With a Friend Estimated time remaining: 2 Hours, 14 Minutes